Our Top Four Priorities for the next 10 years

In implementing the following priorities Council will be paying particular attention to projects that deliver multiple benefits. Projects in one area can bring significant gains for another priority. For example, the accelerated programme to reduce inflow and infiltration into the wastewater system aims to reduce the risk of wastewater overflows into our waterways and Tasman Bay. Fewer overflows mean significant benefits for our environment and contribute to the smart development of our city.
We are consulting on key issues that align with our four broad priorities, and some other proposals in addition that are individually significant or of importance to the city.

INFRASTRUCTURE

Our city, community and environment all depend on our core infrastructure networks to provide safe and smart transport, water, wastewater, stormwater, and flood protection. Key city assets need ongoing maintenance and replacement so we can depend on these essential utilities. This work also enables and protects investment in our city and removes constraints on our growth. Council is putting essential infrastructure at the forefront to future-proof our city.

ENVIRONMENT

Kia whakatu tika te tai ao me te tai ao tiaki te tai ao - if the environment is kept well and strong it will look after itself and us. Council recognises investing in the environment is essential for our future. A healthy environment underpins the health of our community, the way people enjoy Nelson, supports the economy and means we have functioning ecosystems to support our treasured species. Responding to climate change and growing our community’s resilience to the more extreme weather events it will bring is a top priority.

CBD DEVELOPMENT

Our aim for Nelson’s central business district is for it to be attractive to businesses, residents and visitors, with an exceptional mix of events, civic facilities and retail. We are working to build an environment that supports commerce, encourages inner city living and is a catalyst for private sector investment. The top of the South, Te Tau Ihu, needs a strong commercial centre to thrive. We want our city centre to enrich and build our local culture - the bustling meeting place for everyone who lives, works and visits here.

LIFT COUNCIL PERFORMANCE

To achieve our vision of a Smart Little City, we need a Council team that enables things to happen. It needs to provide solutions to cut through the red tape so that real value can be delivered to our community. Nelson deserves a Council that is strategic, achieves excellence in delivery and asset management, is business-friendly and has a strong culture of engagement with its community. The projects in this plan seek to follow best practice principles, while always seeking to improve how we partner with our community.